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Stay Comfortable and Save: Top Energy Efficiency Hacks
Buying a new home is exciting, but certain things can catch you unprepared. For example, moving into a bigger space means it will cost more to keep it cool in the summer. When looking at Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale, even if the houses themselves are in your price range, the energy bills could end up breaking you. But they don't have to. Here are a few things you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency while keeping things cool and comfortable.
- Ceiling Fans
Fans use far less energy than your A/C, making them a great way to stay cool. In fact, when you turn on your ceiling fan, running counterclockwise, the air on your skin makes the room feel a few degrees cooler than it actually is. What this means is that, by running your fans and your A/C together, you can turn the thermostat up a few degrees, saving energy with no reduction in comfort. - Repair Leaks
Pinhole leaks in your ductwork can keep the cold air that flows from your A/C from reaching your home. Meanwhile, leaks around your windows, doors, electrical outlets, and other places in your home can let warm, outdoor air in, which displaces the cold, conditioned air. Both result in energy losses, forcing your unit to work harder to cool your home. This not only wastes energy but wears out the system, resulting in frequent repairs and a shortened lifespan. Calling an HVAC technician to find and repair these leaks can save you up to 30% on your energy bills. - Plant Trees
This is a long-term strategy, but it has tremendous benefits. If you have large windows that get direct sunlight, plant some deciduous trees outside them, like oak, maple, or birch. As the trees grow, the leaves will provide your home with shade in the summer, blocking out the sunlight and keeping it cool, which reduces the strain on your A/C. Then in the fall, the trees lose their leaves, so the sunlight can come through again and warm your home in the winter. - Upgrades
There are a number of HVAC investments you can make that will save money in the long run. A smart thermostat lets you switch automatically between your standard comfort temperature and an energy-saving temperature a few degrees warmer that runs when no one is home. This way, you're not paying to cool an empty house. A zoning system lets you adjust the temperature of each room as needed so one room isn't freezing while another is still too warm. It also keeps your system from sending cold air to the bedrooms while the whole family is down in the living room. Finally, a newer, more efficient A/C unit with an Energy Star certification and a SEER rating of at least 16 or 17 will reduce your energy bills significantly and save you money for years to come. - Annual Maintenance
Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your A/C is schedule a yearly service visit from your HVAC technician. They'll examine the system to make sure it's working properly, tighten the screws, oil the motor, replace any faulty parts, and clean the coils. They'll also check your thermostat settings to ensure they're accurate, diagnose any potential issues before they become bigger problems, and ensure your system is operating at maximum efficiency.
Our real estate agents can help you find a home that's efficiently designed, to optimize energy usage and keep you comfortable throughout the year. Contact us to find an efficient and affordable home that meets all of your needs.